National Register Listing

Fairview

a.k.a. Peerce Home Place;Peerce House;Rural Retreat

Jct. of Patterson Creek Dr. and Russelldale Rds., Burlington, WV
Local significance of the district:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is the site of John Brown's raid in 1859, which is considered a major event leading up to the Civil War. Brown and his supporters attempted to seize the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry in an effort to arm slaves and start a rebellion against slaveholders.
West Virginia random facts
Mineral County, West Virginia has a rich and varied history that begins with the arrival of European settlers in the mid-18th century. Originally part of Hampshire County, Mineral County was officially established in 1866. The county was named after the vast mineral resources found in the region, including limestone, coal, and iron ore.

The early history of Mineral County is closely tied to the development of the railroad industry. The completion of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in the 1840s played a significant role in the county's growth, attracting new industries and settlers. The railroad brought economic opportunities and prosperity to the region, leading to the establishment of towns and the growth of mining operations.

Mining quickly became a dominant industry in Mineral County, with companies extracting coal, limestone, and other valuable minerals. The coal mines, in particular, played a vital role in the county's economy for many decades. The mining boom brought an influx of workers to the area, leading to the growth of towns and the establishment of supporting industries.

Throughout its history, Mineral County has also been strongly influenced by its proximity to key historical events. During the American Civil War, the county witnessed battles and military actions, including the famous Battle of Blakely Mountain. In later years, the county felt the impact of industrialization and economic changes, which led to the decline of mining and the rise of new industries.

Today, Mineral County continues to evolve, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The county's historical significance and natural beauty make it a popular destination for tourists. From its humble beginnings as a rural frontier, Mineral County, WV has transformed into a vibrant community with a rich heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Mineral County, West Virginia.

  • 1734: European settlers begin arriving in present-day Mineral County
  • 1756: Fort Cumberland is built by the British during the French and Indian War
  • 1866: The area is officially established as Mineral County
  • 1873: Keyser, the county seat, is incorporated
  • 1894: The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad reaches Mineral County, spurring growth
  • 1902: West Virginia University establishes an agricultural experiment station in the county
  • 1917: New Creek Dam is built on the Potomac River for water supply and flood control
  • 1921: Knobly Mountain Tunnel is completed for the Western Maryland Railway
  • 1956: Jennings Randolph Lake is constructed for flood control and recreation
  • 1985: Mineral County Historical Society is founded to preserve the county's history
  • 1992: Work begins on the Potomac Highlands Regional Jail, serving several counties